If you're thinking about changing your life for the better by bringing some positivity into it, start out with your mind. Starting to think positively doesn't cost a dime but the rewards to your mental and even physical health can be worth more than money can buy.

To start thinking positively, many people begin with baby-steps. If you have a lot of negativity in your life or surroundings, trying to be positive about everything all at once might be a challenge. So, start out with one of the cornerstones of positive thinking and see how it works for you. That cornerstone is using affirmations.

What are affirmations?

Affirmations are positive statements that describe a desired situation or outcome, which are often repeated, until they get imbedded in the subconscious mind.

This pushes the subconscious mind to take action and to strive to make the positive statement come true.

It's pretty much as simple as that! And that's why so many people use this as they start into positive thinking.

Flip your thinking

It's human nature to worry about things especially when you are HIV positive and/or have other health issues, financial troubles and the like. The trick is to not let that rule over you and define you. Flip the switch and use your thinking to build rather than to tear down. Choose to repeat positive statements rather than negative statements because your subconscious will accept whatever you tell it, and will then do it's best to make it become reality.

Your affirmation toolbox

1. Make affirmations that are short and to the point.

2. Repeat them when your mind isn't engaged in something important. You can also use them in mini-meditation-like sessions of 5-minutes each, a few times a day.

3. Be casual and relaxed.

4. Pay attention to and believe in the words you are repeating. Stronger faith in what you are saying can bring faster results.

6. Use the present tense, not the future tense. Saying, "I will be healthy," uses the undetermined future, not right now. It's better to say, "I am healthy!" and your subconscious will work to make this happen in the present.

Try these and create your own

I am healthy.

My body is strong.

I am successful in everything I do.

People love me.

Try attracting the things to your life that you want and see what happens. At the very least you might find
that it's harder to be negative when you're thinking positive thoughts all the time!

Copyright 2018, Positive Health Publications, Inc.

This magazine is intended to enhance your relationship with your doctor - not replace it! Medical treatments and products should always be discussed with a licensed physician who has experience treating HIV and AIDS!